16 — English
©
2010 Baja, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
OPERATION
Any time the ATV has been exposed to water, dry out the air
filter and make sure any water in the air filter box has drained.
Replace the air filter before storing.
DRESSING FOR COLD WEATHER RIDING
Riding in cold weather can be hazardous. At a temperature
of 10°F (
–
12 °C), the wind chill created by going just 10 mph
makes you as cold as if you were standing still at a tempera-
ture of -9°F (–23 °C). At this temperature, exposed flesh will
freeze in just a few minutes.
Continued exposure in the cold weather could lead to hy-
pothermia. Hypothermia occurs when your body’s inner
temperature drops. Symptoms include numbness in the ex-
tremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs), and shivering. Damp
clothing contributes to hypothermia because cold weather on
your skin will drain heat from your body’s core.
We strongly recommend that if you do any cold-weather riding
that you familiarize yourself with the symptoms, treatment,
and prevention of hypothermia. Information is available at
libraries and through government agencies.
Plan your winter rides with safety and comfort in mind. Dress
for the worst conditions you might encounter. Be prepared
for bad weather and ATV breakdowns. Wear warm, water-
resistant clothing such as thermal underwear, snowmobile
suits, lined gloves and boots, and wool socks.
WARNING:
Never wear loose clothing and keep hair above shoulder
length when riding your ATV. Long hair and loose clothing
such as a long scarf or shawl could get caught in ATV’s
moving parts, resulting in serious personal injury.
RIDING YOUR ATV ON SNOW AND ICE
Go slowly and be careful when riding on snow-covered
terrain. Always be alert to changing terrain conditions. The
snow may be covering rocks, holes, ice, or other hazards
that cause loss of control.
WARNING:
Never ride your ATV on a frozen lake or river. Serious
injury or death could occur if the ice breaks.
Use extra care when operating on slippery surfaces such
as hard-packed snow and ice. Do not operate on slippery
surfaces until you have learned and practiced the skills
necessary to control the ATV on such terrain. Always use
extra care on slippery surfaces. Avoid riding on the snow or
ice-covered hills whenever possible.
Practice riding your ATV in an open snow or ice-covered area
at slow speeds before heading out on snow or ice-covered
trails. Learn how your ATV responds to steering and braking
on the type of terrain you will encounter on your ride.
Your eyes may be sensitive to sunlight when you ride over
snow or ice on a bright, sunny day. Snow and ice reflects
more light into your eyes than dirt or grass. Tinted eye pro-
tection will reduce the amount of light reaching your eyes.
On overcast days, you may find it helpful to use yellow-tinted
eye protection.
RIDING IN COLD WEATHER
Pre-Ride Inspection
Check that the throttle and all control levers move freely.
Make sure the foot rests are free of ice or snow.
Move the ATV forward and backward to check that the
wheels roll freely. If you cannot move the ATV, the tires
may be frozen to the ground, or the brakes may be frozen
to the wheels. If the brakes are frozen, bring the ATV to
a warmer area to thaw out the brakes.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to use engine power to free up frozen
wheels. Doing so could cause severe damage to the
drive train of the ATV.
After the engine has warmed up, check the brakes again.
Do this inspection on level ground and do not exceed
walking speed. Be sure to check the operation of both
front and rear brakes. After brakes have thawed out, dry
them by applying them several times before riding.
If the brakes do not work adequately or do not regain full
stopping power, ask your authorized service center to
check them before you continue riding your ATV.
Water that enters the brakes may freeze after you park your
ATV. The frozen water can prevent wheels from turning or
the brakes from working. After riding through water, mud,
snow, or slush, it is important to dry the brakes before park-
ing the ATV. To dry the brakes, apply them several times
while riding slowly. Before your next ride, be sure to do a
cold weather pre-ride inspection as described above.
WARNING:
Always inspect the brakes before riding the vehicle in
cold weather. Wet or frozen brakes will increase stopping
distance, which can increase your chance of having an
accident resulting in serious personal injury.
